New Zealand’s chances in the ongoing ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 have taken another hit as fast bowler Matt Henry has been forced to withdraw from the tournament due to a hamstring injury. Henry picked up this unfortunate injury during the Kiwis’ recent match against South Africa in Pune.
New Zealand is currently battling with a string of injury setbacks in their team. It all began with Kane Williamson hurting his thumb during his return match against Bangladesh. Following that, fast bowler Lockie Ferguson had an Achilles heel injury, all-rounder Mark Chapman hurt his calf, and, most recently, Matt Henry sustained a hamstring injury, which unfortunately knocked him out of the tournament. As a result, New Zealand finds itself with only 11 fit players on their roster, leading them to select a substitute for Henry.
The ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023 Event Technical Committee has given the green light for Kyle Jamieson to step in for Matt Henry in the New Zealand squad. This decision came about because Henry suffered a right hamstring injury during their match against South Africa in Pune last Wednesday.
To officially include a replacement player in the squad, the Event Technical Committee must grant their approval. Jamieson, who has 13 ODIs under his belt, was selected to fill in for Henry.
Henry had a fantastic run with the ball in New Zealand’s initial four matches, taking nine wickets at an impressive strike rate. Unfortunately, his performance took a downturn after the game against India, during which he could only secure three wickets in 25.5 overs.
Even though the Kiwi team has included Jamieson in their squad, it appears that Lockie Ferguson is the favored choice to step in for Henry in the starting lineup for the crucial match against Pakistan in Bengaluru on Saturday.
Also Read: Can Pakistan Still Qualify For The ICC World Cup 2023?
Stead said he would be ready for the November 4th match against Pakistan if required.
“We’re fortunate to have a player of the class of Kyle waiting in the wings,” he said.
“Kyle’s had to work really hard to return from two separate back injuries and I know he’s really excited about being involved in his first ODI World Cup.”
The Black Caps sit fourth in the standings with two matches in the group phase remaining against Pakistan on Saturday and Sri Lanka next week.
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